The review of the Administrative Integration Special Law has commenced, and it appears that major revisions will be made to the special provisions regarding the delegation of powers from the central government. The proposals, which were initially pushed forward on a tight deadline without sufficient discussion, are encountering issues during the review process. Specifically, nine bills from regions including Jeonnam-Gwangju and Daegu-Gyeongbuk are being discussed by the National Assembly's Administrative Safety Committee, with the government rejecting many provisions related to project feasibility exemptions and various regulatory measures.

The government's decision to reject 119 provisions from Jeonnam-Gwangju and 90 from Daegu-Gyeongbuk suggests that the special provisions concerning delegation of powers will likely face significant changes. This has sparked criticism, with some suggesting that without genuine delegation, the administrative integration might merely be a superficial change. Concerns were raised in a recent public hearing, where legislators argued that the government's refusal to accept key provisions undermines the legitimacy of the administrative integration efforts. The challenge now lies in balancing necessary power delegation while avoiding the potential emergence of excessively powerful local leaders, known as 'imperial mayors'.

On the other hand, advocacy groups have warned against the reckless delegation of powers without adequate checks in place, arguing that many provisions are focused on localized benefits that do not serve broader development goals. They contend that the proposed laws could lead to financial waste and poorly managed development initiatives, emphasizing the need for stringent regulations to mitigate such risks. This ongoing dialogue highlights the complexities of administrative reform in South Korea, as stakeholders grapple with ensuring meaningful integration while safeguarding against misuse of power and resources.